There’s no business like “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Goodspeed

EAST HADDAM — Seriously, is there any business like show business? Everything about it is appealing, and so is this wonderfully-realized production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” directed by Rob Ruggiero at the Goodspeed Opera House, whose run has been extended to July 3 by popular demand.
The show is about a travelling show called Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, which travels from town to town on the old vaudeville circuit. While in one of their towns in rural Ohio they come across Annie Oakley, who can’t read or write, but can hit a target with a gun practically blindfolded, and was based on the real life sharp shooter by the same name who “can shoot the fuzz off a peach.”
Annie has a shoot-off with the famous marksman Frank Butler, and wins. In real life Annie did marry Butler and it was a true love affair.
The show begins with that classic theater anthem and Ethel Merman’s signature song “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” which, along with all the other songs in the musical are written by the inimitable Irving Berlin.
Other great songs include “They Say It’s Wonderful,” “You Can’t Get a Man With A Gun,” and “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better.”
The lyrics are snappy, such as in “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun,” when Annie, played by the scrappy Jenn Gambatese, sings — “You can’t hug a mug with a slug,” and “You can’t shoot a male in the tail with like a quail,” because “they don’t buy pajamas for pistol-packin’ mamas.”
Gambatese is energetic and appealing, which is good, because, like the title of this particular show indicates, it’s all about Annie, and she is in just about every scene.
During the first act the songs drag some, such as the lovely “Moonlight Lullaby” that she sings to her young siblings, played by the cute Joy Rachel Del Valle, Marissa Smoker, and Griffin Birney that practically lulls the post-dinner audience to sleep.
The chemistry between Gambatese and the fine Kevin Earley, who plays her love interest Butler, could not be better. They seem to really enjoy each other’s company, and their mutual attraction is infectious.
The sets are simple, but scenic designer Michael Schweikardt cleverly divides the stage in lengthwise layers, making it seem deeper than it is.
The railroad car is a solid addition to the show, and well used when Winnie and Tommy, the subplot interracial love interest, played by Chelsea Morgan Stock and Andrew Cao, do their tap number on the roof of the car. It is an inspired idea and uses every inch of space available on the tiny stage.
The story brings up the age-old question of what is more important, love or a career, and also the question of whether a woman should diminish her skills and talents so she doesn’t outshine the male egos in her world.
The costumes, from the tight fitting wranglers and custom-made chaps on the guys to the elegant but durably constructed ball gowns on the gals are numerous and flattering, designed by Alejo Vietti.
The supporting cast and ensemble add much to the energy of this show, with smooth and tight choreography by Noah Racey.
In most shows it spoils the moment when an actor looks at the audience, but because this is a show within a show, when the actors sing directly to the crowd, it’s magical.
Riding in the elevator, one of the ushers said that they had over 800 actors audition for this production, so you know they had their pick of the very best.
As they say, love is grand, and so is this sparkling production of “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Goodspeed.

3 ½ Stars
Location: Goodspeed Opera House, Route 82, East Haddam
Production: Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Original book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields as revised by Peter Stone. Directed by Rob Ruggiero. Choreography by Noah Racey. Music direction by Michael O’Flaherty. Scenic design by Michael Schweikardt. Costume design by Alejo Vietti. Lighting design by John Lasiter. Sound by Jay Hilton.
Running time: 2 ½ hours including one 15-minute intermission
Show Times: Wednesday, Sunday, and selected Thursday matinees at 2 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday matinees at 3 p.m., and selected Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through July 3.
Tickets: $27.50 - $71. Call the box office at 860-873-8668 or visit their website at www.goodspeed.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
Jenn Gambatese … Annie Oakley
Kevin Earley … Frank Butler
Rebecca Watson … Dolly Tate
David McDonald … Buffalo Bill
Chelsea Morgan Stock … Winnie Tate
Andrew Cao … Tommy Keeler
Michael Nichols … Chief Sitting Bull
Bill Nabel … Foster Wilson
James Beaman … Charlie Davenport
Joy Rachel Del Valle … Jessie
Marissa Smoker … Nellie
Griffin Birney … Little Jake
Orville Mendoza … Running Deer
Con O’Shea-Creal … Eagle Feather